There comes a time in the lives of children when parental wisdom is discounted as old-fashioned or foolish.

The Bible, however, cautions us to heed our elders. Proverbs 31:10-31 extols wifely virtues and says, "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her, 'Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all'." (Proverbs 31:28-29 RSV)

Motherhood requires self-sacrifice, as does any vocation. Sadly, not all who choose to give birth are emotionally equipped for the task.

There are Biblical examples of women who schemed and plotted to do what they felt was in the best interest of the family.

Sarah, unable to conceive, gave Hagar to Abraham so the slave's child might be her heir. Then, when Isaac was born, Sarah sent Hagar away, so the adopted child would not upstage the natural heir.

You may have seen similar situations, involving surrogate mothers or adopted children. Her actions don't make Sarah bad and she needs to be understood.

We do the best we know how in the circumstances we face. Our actions are shaped by culture, family tradition, faith and previous experience.

Rebekah played favorites between her twin sons Jacob and Esau. She orchestrated events so that Jacob would receive Isaac's blessing, instead of Esau, the older son.

But it doesn't seem to have done Esau any harm. He ended up with wives and livestock and property. In his rebellion, Esau married outside his clan.

Though seen in his culture as diluting the blood line, we see it as branching out from in-breeding. So it all worked out.

Moms are not above using bribery and threats to get their children to do what they, the mothers, think is in the child's best interest.

Even Jesus was not exempt from being scolded by his mother. Returning from Jerusalem, Mary and Joseph noticed Jesus wasn't among the family.

Backtracking, they finally found him in the temple.

" 'Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously.'

"And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. And his mother kept all these things in her heart." (Luke 2:48b, 51 RSV)

Whatever your mother is or was, honor her, love her. If circumstances prevent you being with your own mom, go to the nursing home or homeless shelter.

Remember the forgotten mothers. It will make their day — and yours.

JoAnn Dalgard is a freelance writer living in Brady. She welcomes reader response at jbdalgard@yahoo.com.